Got yardage? If you are into art yarns, this is always the first
question you ask. Unless the spinner (you or your favorite yarnie)
has a bulky flier, chunky skeins top out around 35 yds. It’s
no mystery that bigger your needles, the less yardage you need
to knit the same width and length of scarf. But just how far
will your yarn go?

This simple but elegant scarf is designed
to make the most of available yardage
and artful “moments” in
your yarn (see Lynne's article for
tips on knitting with momentous yarns).
I wrote the pattern in sections so you
can mix and match them to meet your yarn
and yardage needs. I’ve also included instructions for
three different gauges/WPI with yardage
counts to match. Approximate yardage
is provided for each pattern section
so you have a better handle on how far
you can get with what you’ve
got.

The Thruway section is a handy double
keyhole which stylishly yet practically
channels the scarf around your neck and
holds it in place, so you feel cuddled
and comfy in your creation.

The
beauty of this pattern is that it works so
well with all those wonderful handspun “art” yarns
you can buy from independent spinners. Browse through Etsy to
see what’s available. Look for something that appeals to
you – you don’t need much in the way of yardage,
and it’s a great way to use up interesting thick-and-thin
yarns. Key words to search for: handspun, plus
any of these terms: art yarn, thick and thin,
boucle, and corespun.

Note: For all versions, the Commercial
Yarn Alternative can be purchased from
handspinners online. See last paragraph
in introduction above. Fiber Preparation + Drafting
Method is described in detail in Lynne's
article in this issue of Knittyspin.

Recommended needle size[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below
-- every knitter's gauge is unique] US
#15/10mm needles A
spare DPN of the same or similar
size.

WPI 5 [shown in 3rd photo]:

fiber/yarn Lucca
Dot Yarn’s Super
Chunky Spiral Plied handspun [There
are so many fibers in this yarn that they
can’t
all be listed. Most handspun sellers call
this “a little bit of everything”.
It’s usually mostly wool.]; color: Man for all seasons.

Finished Yarn: Yardage
used: 80

Recommended needle size[always use a needle size that gives
you the gauge listed below -- every knitter's
gauge is unique] US
#17/11mm needles A
spare DPN of the same or similar
size.

In this section, the row is divided into three panels and worked
separately. Panel 2 has an extra row on purpose because it gets
twisted before joining.

Row 1 [RS] K5[4,3], turn.
Knit 12[10,8] more rows.
Break yarn and
leave sts on RH needle. Rejoin yarn to where you left
off after Row 1.

Row 1 [RS] K5[4,3], turn.

Knit 13[11,9] more rows.
Break yarn and slide sts onto
dpn. Flip the panel over once and slide the stitches just worked
to the right hand needle in reverse order to twist the panel.
Leave all 10 [8, 6] sts live on RH needle.

M1: make one by casting on with backward loop
cast on.
[Note: this is not the usual
M1; this increase method leaves
no hole, gives you a more flexible selvedge
and is easier to work with heavy textured
yarns]

DIRECTIONS

Start with an Onramp and work City Blocks,
Speed Bumps and Thruways as you wish, until
you’ve just about
run out of yarn.

End with an Offramp.

FINISHING
To finish, weave in ends.

Feeling frou frou? Cut a few lengths of especially momentous
yarn and thread them through the cast on row and tie with overhand
knot.